TEAM HERALD
NEW DELHI: Even though armed forces stationed at most places in the country will get to vote in the Lok Sabha elections, thanks to the Supreme Court order, those based in Goa will not be able to do so since the court order came late on March 25, when electoral process had already begun and there was no time left for personnel in Goa to register as ordinary voters. Also those who have already opted for the post ballot or proxy voting cannot avail this facility.
Goa goes to the polls on April 12. All personnel who have been posted in any “peace station” since January 1, 2014 can get registered as a voter.
The enrollment can be done till 10 days before the withdrawals, but since the Court order came only on March 25 when the electoral process in 225 of the total 543 Lok Sabha constituencies had already begun and as such the Supreme Court order will be effective only in 318 constituencies that go to polls on April 17 or thereafter.
After the Supreme Court ruling to allow serving Armed Forces personnel to vote at their place of posting at the “peace stations”, the Election Commission has issued instructions for enrolling them and their family members with the help of the local area commanders.
The Returning Officers have been ordered to coordinate with the officer deputed by the local area commander for enrollments through specified application form, which will be verified through the local command as also through physical verification.
The Army sources said not many among the forces or their families will get benefit of the Supreme Court order since the large chunk is already registered for postal ballots. Around 40 per cent of the 13-lakh strong Indian Army is based in the “peace stations”, the posting given to recoup after tough postings or training.
